UPF Event "The Path to Peach and On to Religious Freedom"

UPF Event "The Path to Peach and On to Religious Freedom" on Oct. 4, 2025

Introduction of Ceremonies and Toast for Peace

• Importance of Community Gatherings: The assembly fosters unity and encourages participants to engage in the collective pursuit of peace, highlighting the significance of community support in addressing societal issues.
• Role of Spiritual Leadership: Pastor Bob’s toast underscores the power of spiritual leaders in guiding communities toward peace, emphasizing the need for faith-based approaches in conflict resolution.
• Vision for a Unified World: The call for building a world under God reflects a desire for harmony across different backgrounds, advocating for inclusivity and mutual respect in diverse societies.

Peace is defined as the presence of freedom by Immanuel Jarvis

• Peace is defined as the presence of freedom, not simply the absence of conflict.
• Religious persecution is a global issue affecting diverse countries, including democracies like South Korea, violent conflict zones like Nigeria, and authoritarian regimes like China.
• Persecution involves harassment, violence, imprisonment, cultural suppression, and even inhumane practices such as organ harvesting.
• Solidarity with persecuted communities requires awareness, advocacy, prayer, financial support, political engagement, and compassionate action toward refugees.
• Protecting religious freedoms at home is critical to maintaining the ability to defend those freedoms internationally.

Religious Persecution in Japan by Luke Higuchi

• Religious freedom is under crisis in Asia, especially in Japan and South Korea, due to political pressures and misinformation campaigns targeting religious groups like the Unification Church.
• Kidnapping and forced confinement of religious members is a documented human rights abuse in Japan, with thousands affected.
• The media’s portrayal of religion as evil has deeply influenced public opinion, contributing to religious disaffection.
• Communist influence, particularly from China, is seen as a growing threat to religious and democratic freedoms across Asian countries.
• Religious leaders and members face detention or imprisonment, including elderly leaders under poor health conditions.
• The United States remains a bastion of religious freedom, with some political administrations actively supporting this cause.
• Social media is viewed as a critical battleground for defending religious freedom against left-wing and communist ideological control.
• Individual participation on digital platforms matters, regardless of age or physical capacity.

Christian Persecution in Nigeria by Doug Burton

Christian Genocide in Nigeria Report

• The Power of Faith: Despite the atrocities faced, faith remains a source of strength for many Christians in Nigeria, inspiring advocacy and resilience.
• Growing Awareness: Increased media coverage is crucial for raising awareness about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, potentially leading to action.
• Legislative Action: Legislation, such as Senator Cruz's bill, can create international pressure on the Nigerian government to address the genocide.
• Ethnic and Religious Dynamics: The conflict is deeply rooted in ethnic and religious tensions, particularly between Islamism and Christianity in Nigeria.
• Importance of Education: Education is vital for the future of displaced Nigerian children, providing them hope and opportunities for a better life.
• Community Support: Organizations like Truth Nigeria and advocacy groups play a crucial role in raising funds and awareness for those affected.
• Call to Action: Individuals and communities are encouraged to get involved, whether through donations, advocacy, or prayer, to support persecuted Christians.

Falun Gong Persecution in China by Winston Liu

• Religious Persecution and Genocide: The CCP’s campaign against Falun Gong represents a systematic effort to eradicate a spiritual group through propaganda, imprisonment, torture, and legal harassment.
• Loss of Spiritual and Moral Values: The speaker links CCP’s destruction of traditional culture to the moral confusion and selfishness prevalent in modern Chinese society.
• Transnational Impact: The repression of Falun Gong is not confined to China but actively continues abroad, particularly in the US, through covert operations and media manipulation.
• Cultural Revival as Resistance: Shen Yun embodies the Falun Gong community’s effort to revive and share pre-Communist Chinese culture worldwide.
• Hope in Democratic Systems: Despite challenges, the speaker expresses faith in the American legal and social system’s ability to protect individual freedoms against foreign repression.

Peace Starts with Me by Pastor Davetta Morgan

• Religious Freedom is Essential: The ongoing persecution of believers globally highlights the urgent need to advocate for religious freedom, reflecting the fundamental right to worship without fear.
• Empathy for the Suffering: Recognizing the plight of those facing violence for their beliefs fosters empathy, reminding us of our shared humanity despite differing faiths.
• Personal Responsibility in Peace: True peace begins within; individuals must confront their selfish desires and commit to self-reflection and personal growth to contribute to a peaceful society.
• Hope as a Driving Force: Maintaining hope is crucial for peace; despair leads to inaction, while hope inspires individuals to strive for a better world.
• Nonviolence as a Strategic Choice: Embracing nonviolent methods is not just a moral stance but a necessary strategy for achieving lasting peace and justice in society.
• Inner Peace Fuels Action: Cultivating inner peace enables individuals to face external challenges and contribute positively to their communities, emphasizing the connection between personal and societal harmony.
• Unity for a Common Goal: Achieving world peace requires collective effort and unity, as exemplified by the call to work together as one family to fulfill the dream of universal peace.

Appointment of Ambassadors for Peace

• Diversity in Unity: The Ambassadors for Peace program embraces individuals from all backgrounds, highlighting that unity can exist despite differing beliefs.
• Living for Others: The core principle of the initiative is to inspire individuals to prioritize others' happiness, fostering a culture of generosity and compassion.
• Global Reach: With a presence in 160 countries, the program demonstrates the universal desire for peace and connection beyond borders.
• Family as Foundation: Strong family values are seen as a cornerstone for creating peaceful communities, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships.
• Recognition of Efforts: Honoring those dedicated to peace encourages more community involvement and highlights the significance of grassroots initiatives.
• Interreligious Cooperation: Promoting dialogue and understanding among different faiths is crucial for overcoming divisions and achieving lasting peace.
• Empowerment Through Sharing: By sharing personal stories and experiences, ambassadors can inspire others to engage in peace-building efforts in their communities.